5 Ways to Get Your Kids Involved during Ramadhan

Posted by ZAAHARA .COM
on June 13, 2016

Ramadhan is the month of the Islamic calendar year where Muslims are required to fast compulsorily . Minus if you are sick , old or for women ; pregnant and for kids who have no knowledge of fasting and have not reached that level of maturity yet . But that said , that does not mean kids do not have any part of the Holy Month . They can fast if they are willing to commit to it . But other than that, here are other ways to get them more involved with the Ramadhan month:

1. Learning to master reading the Quran

The number of days required to fast are equivalent to the number Juz' ; which is 30 . By reading a Juz' a day , that can add up over time and probably the kids will be able to Khatam (complete) the Quran by the final day . This however can be broken into two dichotomies , reading the Quran in a physical form and the other a virtual form .

Most kids would probably be using their smartphones and other gadgets to pass the time before breaking fast with nothing else that would be productive to do . So why not get a virtual Quran app and let them read to their accord (supervising is more than encouraged though) . This also means that it isn't the necessity option to limit reading the Quran just by reading the Quran itself , in fact making use of technology properly like this is a good countermeasure to an existing item (the smartphone/tablet) , making the Quran app more than enough of a suitable equivalent to an actual Quran (mind you , this does not mean replacing the Quran book in its entirety altogether) .

A good way to increase the pahala (good deeds) count and to strengthen their love for the Quran and Islam . As well as making full use of modern day technologies . As opposed to just making rudimentary use of it .

2. Helping to cook the breaking of fast meal

Another aspect of breaking of fast is the meal served . Most kids would prefer the option of buying their favourite meals like fast food or a big meal at a restaurant . This won't be considered a bad option in any case but over time the reliance on buying food outside would make them complacent about the gifts they already have . For the parents , teaching them to cook a simple breaking of fast meal would help them in understanding that fasting is not just about holding back urges like hunger and satisfy after breaking fast ; it is also about effort that is need to be put into making the meal possible .

Thus asking them to help cook the meal is a bonus for them to not only rely on buying food all the time , but also giving them an experience in preparing their own dishes .

3. Activities with the family

This is namely like for example , after praying together at a mosque during tarrawih . Just assisting in folding the sajjadah or give some refreshments to fellow mosque-goers is a good enough gesture .

This teaches the kids about compassion and understanding as well as enjoying the month of Ramadhan to its maximum . Or even teaching the kids to perfect their prayers .

The month of Ramadhan provides a stepping stone to enhance family bonds .

4. For the traditionalists ; handicrafts

Making prayer rugs , cards for Eid or even a personal tasbih are some of the clever ways of kids enjoying Ramadhan . Old fashioned as it is , it still plays an integral part of helping kids pass the time in a productive and orderly manner .

Having the activity conducted with a group of their friends enables them to enjoy the activity and helps bursting out their creativity .

5. Learning about the benefits of fasting

Libraries or Ramadhan seminars and clinics are a good place to learn bout the benefits of fasting . Doctors and speakers can teach kids that fasting as an activity is actually a healthy one . Fasting can help cleanse the stomach , colon and digestive systems during the month of Ramadhan .

The Holy Month also teaches them the plight of people who struggle to make a living and getting food to their table . By giving them that understanding , it will help the kids appreciate not only food more , but health and their blessings as well .

By:

Ammo, guest writer of this blog and intern at Zaahara. Interests include motorsports and football, while making multimedia related stuff.